Guard for a drinking vessel

ABSTRACT

This invention relates to a guard ( 10 ) for a drinking vessel ( 36 ) having an opening ( 34 ). The guard ( 10 ) includes a web ( 12 ) adapted to at least seal the opening ( 34 ). The web ( 12 ) has at least one gap (eg.  16 ) with first and second edges ( 22  &amp;  24 ). The first and second edges ( 22  &amp;  24 ) are not on the same plane. The invention also relates to an anchoring means  80  for use in combination with a glass ( 36 A) with a recess ( 84 ) in its base ( 82 ).

TECHNICAL FIELD

This invention relates to a guard for a drinking vessel. In particular, it relates to a spill or splash resistant guard for a drinking vessel. This invention also relates to an anchoring device for use in combination with a drinking vessel having a base with a recess.

BACKGROUND

Conventional drinking vessels in the form of cups or glasses are susceptible to being accidentally knocked over when for example placed on a surface, or being bumped when for example being held in the hand of a user, resulting in spilling of the drink. Accidental spilling of drinks is most likely to occur when infants, toddlers or young children are in close proximity or in a social environment where patrons may be under the influence of alcohol. Unintentional spilling of drinks can also be a problem for elderly people and those who have a medical condition that limits their ability to hold a cup or glass in a steady manner.

Also, when travelling in a moving vehicle, if a cup or glass of drink is placed down, any movement of the vehicle will be translated to the contents of the cup or glass. As such, even a slight swerve or bump can lead to the drink slopping over the edge of the cup, or the entire cup tipping over, as the weight of the drink shifts and the cup overbalances. In the event of travelling in a ferry or boat, the cup or glass is particularly susceptible to tipping over when a wave or swell hits, The same problem exists on a plane when there is an encounter with turbulence. Even when travelling in a calm and stable environment, drinks will need to be held in the hand of the consumer at all times, which is inconvenient.

It is an object of the present invention to provide a guard adapted to permit drinking out of a drinking vessel which overcomes or at least ameliorates the foregoing disadvantages, or which at least provides a useful alternative.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

According to one aspect of the present invention there is provided a guard for a drinking vessel having an opening, the guard including a web adapted to at least partially seal the opening, the web having at least one gap with first and second edges;

wherein the first and second edges are not on the same plane.

It will be appreciated that the drinking vessel of the present invention may include any suitable drinking vessel, including one of the following: a cup, a glass, a bowl, a flute and a mug. The drinking vessel usually includes a wall defining the opening. The wall may be in any desired shape or form and will normally define the opening which accordingly may be any selected shape. Most commonly, the opening is circular. Preferably, the drinking vessel includes a bottom. Optionally, the bottom is curved and in this case may be included in the wall.

It should be noted that the web may include one or a plurality of gaps. In one preferred embodiment, the web includes three gaps spaced apart from one another. In another preferred embodiment, the web includes four gaps spaced apart from one another. The web is preferred to be concave in shape so as to guide the flow of any liquid poured into the drinking vessel towards the bottom of the vessel. Preferably, the web is made of plastics or a combination of different polymers. The polymers may be polypropylene (PP) or high density polyethylene (HDPE). Alternatively, the web is made of a Bisphenol A (BPA) free material. Optionally, the guard is made of glass or carbon fibre.

The web may include a border adapted to abut and grip the wall of the drinking vessel. Optionally, the border is made of a rubbery or resilient material. The border is preferably designed to fit closely within the opening so as to achieve a tight seal and keep the guard at a desired location within the drinking vessel. The rubbery or resilient border may be made of a thermoplastic elastomer (TPE). TPE offers the advantage of being capable of being made colourless and hence substantially invisible when in use.

Optionally, the web is made in any selected colour or combination of colours so that it is aesthetically pleasing.

Preferably, the or each gap extends radially. The or each gap may extend towards a periphery of the web. Preferably that gap widens towards the periphery.

Preferably the first edge is located above the second edge. In a preferred embodiment, the first edge partially defines a first portion of the web whilst the second edge partially defines a second portion of the web and the first portion at least partially overlaps the second portion. If and when there are three gaps in the web, the overlaps preferably cover about 50% of the web.

In a preferred embodiment, the guard includes an aperture. Preferably the aperture is located in the centre of the web. The guard may also include an elongate stabiliser. The stabiliser is preferred to be in the form of a downwardly extending hollow shaft. The dimension of the shaft may vary depending on the size of the drinking vessel. Preferably, the stabiliser has a lower end, at least part of which is adapted to make contact with the bottom of the drinking vessel when in use. As such, the stabiliser may assist in reducing the likelihood of the web wobbling or tilting within the glass. The lower end may be convex or concave in shape.

The stabiliser may include one or more slots. Preferably, the slots are in communication with the aperture. This allows the glass to receive a supply of liquid when the guard is in use. The slots may be configured so as to serve as vents or outlets for minimising the movement of the guard when the liquid is in motion.

According to another aspect of the present invention, there is provided an anchoring device for a drinking vessel having a base, the anchoring device including: a first element adapted in use to engage the base; and

a second element capable of removably or permanently attaching to a surface.

Preferably, the base includes a recess adapted in use to receive the first element. The base is preferred to include a stem and a support portion.

In a preferred embodiment, the first element is in the form of a knob. The knob is shaped such that it fits snugly into at least part of the recess. The knob is preferred to have a tapering external surface and a threaded internal bore. The second element is preferred to include a suction cup. The second element may include other suitable attaching means capable of removably or permanently attaching the anchoring device to the surface. In a preferred embodiment, the second element also includes a shaft having one end stemming from or connected to the suction cup and another end in use threadably engaging the threaded internal bore of the knob.

The anchoring means is also preferred to include a spacer located between the knob and the suction cup. The spacer may be independent of or form part of the first element. The spacer is preferred to be frusto-conically shaped.

In an alternative embodiment, the first and second elements may be integrally connected.

According to a further aspect of the present invention, there is provided a drinking vessel having a base adapted in use to engage an anchoring means.

Preferably, the base includes a recess configured in use to receive the anchoring means.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

The invention may be better understood from the following non-limiting description of preferred embodiments, in which:

FIG. 1 is a perspective view from above of a guard in accordance with one embodiment of the present invention;

FIG. 2 is a side elevation of the guard of FIG. 1 from a first location;

FIG. 3 is another side elevation of the guard of FIG. 1 from a second location;

FIG. 4 is a plan view of the guard of FIG. 1 from above;

FIG. 5 is a plan view of the guard of FIG. 1 from below;

FIG. 6 is a side elevation of the guard of FIG. 1 being in use in a glass;

FIG. 7 is a perspective view of a guard in accordance with another embodiment of the present invention; and

FIG. 8 is a perspective view from above of a guard in accordance with a yet further embodiment of the present invention;

FIG. 9 is a side elevation of the guard of FIG. 8 from a first location;

FIG. 10 is a side elevation of the guard of FIG. 9 from a second location;

FIG. 11 is a perspective view from above of the guard of FIG. 8;

FIG. 12 is a plan view of the guard of FIG. 8 having a pattern on the surface of its web;

FIG. 13 is a plan view of a guard in accordance with a yet further embodiment of the present invention having a web with a plane surface;

FIG. 14 is a perspective view of an anchoring device in accordance with one embodiment of the present invention;

FIG. 15 is a side elevation of the anchoring device of FIG. 14;

FIG. 16 is a plan view of the anchoring device of FIG. 14;

FIG. 17 is a cross sectional view of the anchoring device of FIG. 14;

FIG. 18 is a perspective view from above of a glass adapted to be used in combination with the anchoring device of FIG. 14;

FIG. 19 is a cross-sectional view of the glass of FIG. 18 being used in combination with anchoring device of FIG. 14; and

FIG. 20 is a perspective view of the glass of FIG. 18 being used in combination with the guard of FIG. 1 and the anchoring means of FIG. 14.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

It will be appreciated that although a wine glass is used herein for the purpose of s providing a description of the invention, the drinking vessel may include any suitable drinking vessel, including one of the following: a cup, a straight glass, a bowl, a flute and a mug. The drinking vessel usually includes a receptacle having a wall defining the opening. The wall may be in any desired shape or form and will normally define the opening which accordingly may be any selected shape. Most commonly, the opening is circular. The exemplary embodiments of the guard described below are for drinking vessels in the form of a glass (see FIG. 6) and a flute (not shown), each having a circular opening defined by a wall including a curved bottom.

Referring to FIGS. 1, 2 and 3, a guard 10 for a drinking vessel (not shown) having an opening (not shown) includes a web 12. The web 12 has an aperture 14 and hence only partially seals the opening of the drinking vessel. In this exemplary embodiment, the web 12 has three gaps 16, 18 and 20. For ease of reference, only gap 16 will be described herein and it should be appreciated that the construction of the other two gaps 18 and 20 is identical with that of gap 16. Gap 16 has first and second edges 22 and 24. The first and second edges 22 and 24 are not on the same plane.

Referring to FIGS. 1 to 5, the three gaps 16, 18 and 20 are spaced apart from one another. The gaps 16, 18 and 20 allow the consumer to drink out of the drinking vessel. The web 12 is concave in shape. The gap 16 extends radially towards the centre of the web 12 where the aperture 14 is located. As shown in FIGS. 4 and 5, the gap 16 also extends in an opposite direction towards a periphery 26 of the web 12. As best shown in FIG. 2, each of the gaps 16, 18 and 20 widens towards the periphery 26.

As best illustrated in FIG. 2, the first edge 22 is located above the second edge 24. The first edge 22 partially defines a first portion 28 of the web 12 whilst the second edge 24 partially defines a second portion 30 of the web. Referring to FIG. 5, the second edge 24 does not extend all the way to the periphery 26. It will however be appreciated that the second edge 24 operates equally well and efficiently when it covers the full length between the centre and the periphery 26 of the web 12. The first portion 28 partially overlaps the second portion 30. It can be observed from FIGS. 4 and 5 that the overlaps cover about 50% of the web 12.

Referring to FIGS. 1 to 5, the main body of the web 12 is made of a Bisphenol A (BPA) free material. As best shown in FIGS. 1 and 4, the web 12 has a rubbery or resilient border 32 which abuts and grips the wall of the drinking vessel when in use. Turning to FIG. 6, the border 32 fits closely within the opening 34 of the glass 36 so as to achieve a tight seal and keep the guard 10 at a desired location within the glass 36. The rubbery or resilient border 32 is made of a thermoplastic elastomer (TPE) which is colourless and hence substantially invisible when in use. It should be noted that the web 12 may be made of polypropylene (PP) or high density polyethylene (HDPE) which has the benefit of being recyclable.

Referring to FIGS. 1 to 6, the aperture 14 is located in the centre of the web 12. The guard 10 also has an elongate stabiliser. The stabiliser is in the form of a hollow shaft 38 extending downwardly and being in contact with the bottom 40 of the glass 36, as shown in FIG. 6. As best shown in FIGS. 2 and 3, the hollow shaft 38 has a bulging rounded lower end 45. Being in contact with the bottom of the glass 36, the shaft 38 functions to keep the web 12 at a desired level and reduce the likelihood of the guard 10 wobbling or tilting when in use. The shaft 38 has five slots 42 which run along the majority of the length of the shaft 38. Each of the slots 42 is in communication with the aperture 14. The aperture 14 allows a supply of liquid to be poured into the glass 36 after the guard 10 is put in place. The slots 42 serve as vents or outlets which minimise movement of the guard 10 when the liquid is in motion.

Turning to FIG. 7, another embodiment of the guard 10A has a stabiliser which is longer than that shown in FIGS. 1 to 6. This stabiliser has a relatively longer shaft 38A which is designed to suit the height of the interior of a champagne glass or flute. The other components of the guard 10A are identical to those of guard 10 shown in FIGS. 1 to 6.

In use, the guard 10, 10A is to be inserted into the interior of a glass or flute with the shaft 38 or 38A pointing downward. The guard 10, 10A should be lowered until either the periphery 26 of the web 12, being restricted by the wall of the glass 36, does not allow the guard to go any further, or the lower end of the shaft 38, 38A touches the bottom 40 of the glass 36. The glass 36 may be pre-filled or topped up after the guard 10 or 10A is put in place.

Referring to FIGS. 8, 9 and 10, a further embodiment of the guard 10B has a web 12B with an aperture 14B. The web 12B has four gaps 17, 19, 21 & 23. Similar to the embodiment 10 shown in FIGS. 1, 2 and 3, each gap 17, 19, 21, 23 has first and second edges which are not on the same plane. The configuration of each gap 17, 19, 21, 23 is identical to those 16, 18 & 20 described above with reference to FIGS. 1, 2 and 3. In comparison with the embodiment 10 shown in FIGS. 1, 2 and 3, the extra gap provided in guard 10B allows more liquid out of the drinking vessel when the drinking vessel is tilted and hence may be more suitable for use in larger drinking vessel such as a red wine glass or a big mug.

As best shown in FIGS. 8 to 11, the guard 10B has a stabiliser which is in the form of a hollow shaft 38B. Similar to that 38 shown in FIGS. 1 to 6, the shaft 38B has five slots 42B, each running along the majority of the length of the shaft 38B. Each slot 42B is in communication with the aperture 14B. The shaft 38B is relatively shorter than shafts 38 and 38A and hence more suitable for use in drinking vessels with a shallow receptacle such as cups. The shaft 38B has an indented lower end 45B with a domed surface 47. This in effect provides five toes 49 which facilitates steady standing on for example drinking vessels having an irregularly shaped bottom.

Turning to FIG. 12, the web 12B has curved lines which are provided for decorative purposes. As shown in FIG. 13, another embodiment of the guard 10C has a web 12C with a plane upper surface.

Referring to FIGS. 14 to 17, an anchoring device 80 for use in combination with a drinking vessel 36A having a base 82 (see FIGS. 18 to 20) is shown. The anchoring device 80 has a first element in the form of a knob 86 which in use engages part of the base 82 and a second element which is capable of removably attaching to a surface on which the drinking vessel 36A is to be placed when not in use. The second element has a suction cup 92. The base 82 has a stem 88, a support portion 90 and a recess 84, as best shown in FIGS. 19 and 20, for receiving the knob 86.

As shown in FIGS. 29 and 20, the knob 86 is shaped such that it fits snugly into at least part of the recess 84. The knob 86 has a tapering external surface 96 and a threaded internal bore 98 (see FIGS. 17 and 19). The second element also includes a shaft 100 (see FIGS. 17 and 19) having one end stemming from the suction cup 92 and another end threadably engaging the threaded internal bore 98 of the knob 86.

The anchoring means also has a spacer 102 located between the knob 86 and the suction cup 92. The spacer 102 is frusto-conically shaped and independent of the knob 86.

In use, clockwise rotation of the knob 86 effects downward movement of the knob 86 relative to the shaft 100. As the knob 86 is moved downward, a pressure is applied onto the suction cup 92 resulting in firm attachment of the suction cup 92 to the surface. Conversely, anti-clockwise rotation of the knob 86 results in a release of the applied pressure. The suction cup 92 may therefore be detached from the surface by way of lifting the edge 104 of the suction cup 92.

Although not shown in the drawings, it is contemplated that the knob 86 and spacer 102 may be integrally connected.

Now that preferred embodiments have been described, it will be appreciated that the guard of the present invention at least in some embodiments offers at least one or more of the following advantages:

-   -   1. it prevents liquid within a glass from splashing out when the         drinking vessel is bumped or at least slows down spilling when         the drinking vessel is knocked over. This allows the user to         have sufficient time to ‘come to the rescue’ and put the glass         back in the desired position;     -   2. it allows drinking out of the glass whilst preventing         splashing;     -   3. when the drink is a carbonated, fizzy, sparkling or         effervescent drink, it keeps the drink bubbly for a longer         period of time; and     -   4. it functions as an marker which allows the user to know when         to stop filling the drinking vessel.

Also, it will be appreciated that the anchoring means of the present invention when used in combination with a glass with a recess at least offers the advantage of preventing the glass rested thereon from tipping over which may result in spillage of the drink or breaking of the glass.

Those skilled in the art will appreciate that the invention described herein is susceptible to variations and modifications other than those specifically described. For example, the guard may be made of different materials or combination of materials. Also, the guard may have different number of gaps. The length of the shaft (if present) may vary and need not necessarily make contact with the bottom of the glass. The shaft may be in different shapes and forms in order to make contact with either the wall or bottom of the glass. Furthermore, the anchoring means may be provided in one piece with other suitable adhering means or method for bonding with the surface. All such variations and modifications are to be considered within the scope and spirit of the present invention the nature of which is to be determined from the foregoing description.

INDUSTRIAL APPLICABILITY

The guard of the present invention is industrially applicable in that it is capable of preventing liquid within a glass from splashing out when the drinking vessel is bumped or at least slows down spilling when the drinking vessel is knocked over. This allows the user to have sufficient time to put the glass back in the desired position. The anchoring means is industrially applicable in that when used in combination with a glass with a recessed base, it is capable of preventing accidental or unintentional tipping over of the glass, 

1-46. (canceled)
 47. A guard for a drinking vessel having an opening, the guard including a web adapted to at least partially seal the opening, the web having at least one gap with first and second edges; wherein the first and second edges are not on the same plane.
 48. The guard of claim 47, wherein the web includes a plurality of gaps being spaced apart from one another.
 49. The guard of claim 47, wherein the at least one gap extends radially.
 50. The guard of claim 47, wherein the at least one gap extends towards a periphery of the web.
 51. The guard of claim 50, wherein the at least one gap widens towards the periphery.
 52. The guard of claim 47, wherein the first edge is located above the second edge.
 53. The guard of claim 47, wherein the first edge partially defines a first portion of the web whilst the second edge partially defines a second portion of the web, and the first portion at least partially overlaps the second portion.
 54. The guard of claim 53, wherein if and when there are three gaps in the web, the overlaps cover about 50% of web.
 55. The guard of claim 47, wherein the web is concave in shape.
 56. The guard of claim 47, wherein the drinking vessel includes a wall defining the opening, the web including a border adapted to abut and grip the wall.
 57. The guard of claim 56, wherein the border is made of a rubbery or resilient material.
 58. The guard of claim 56, wherein the border is designed to fit closely within the opening so as to achieve a tight seal and keep the guard at a desired location within the drinking vessel.
 59. The guard of claim 47, which includes an aperture.
 60. The guard of claim 59, wherein the aperture is located in the centre of the web.
 61. The guard of claim 47, which includes an elongate stabiliser.
 62. The guard of claim 61, wherein the stabiliser is in the form of a hollow shaft.
 63. The guard of claim 62, wherein the shaft has a dimension which varies depending on the size of the drinking vessel.
 64. The guard of claim 63, wherein the stabiliser has an end, at least part of which is adapted to make contact with a base or bottom of the drinking vessel when in use.
 65. The guard of claim 64, wherein the end is convex or concave in shape.
 66. The guard of claim 61, wherein the stabiliser includes one or more slots.
 67. The guard of claim 66, wherein each slot is in communication with the aperture.
 68. The guard of claim 47, wherein the drinking vessel includes any one of the following: a cup, a glass, a bowl, a flute and a mug.
 69. The guard of claim 56, wherein the opening is circular and the bottom is curved being included in the wall.
 70. The guard of claim 47, wherein the web is made of plastics or a combination of different polymers.
 71. The guard of claim 47, which is made of glass or carbon fibre.
 72. The guard of claim 47, wherein the web is made in a selected colour or combination of colours.
 73. An anchoring device for a drinking vessel having a base, the anchoring device including: a first element adapted in use to engage the base; and a second element capable of attaching to a surface.
 74. The anchoring device of claim 73, wherein the second element is capable of removably attaching to the surface.
 75. The anchoring device of claim 73, wherein the base includes a recess adapted in use to receive the first element.
 76. The anchoring device of claim 73, wherein the base includes a stem and a support portion.
 77. The anchoring device of claim 73, wherein the first element is in the form of a movable knob.
 78. The anchoring device of claim 77, wherein the knob is shaped such that it fits snugly into at least part of the recess.
 79. The anchoring device of claim 73, wherein the second element includes a suction cup.
 80. The anchoring means of claim 79, which includes a spacer located between the knob and the suction cup.
 81. The anchoring means of claim 80, wherein the spacer is adapted to be dictated by the movable knob to engage or disengage the suction cup. 